No show at Afoko trial

An Accra High Court (Criminal Division) for the second time on Friday could not continue hearing the murder trial of 52-year-old Gregory Afoko.

That was because neither the accused person who has since last year been spotting a swollen hand nor the prosecutor, Matthew Amponsah – a Chief State Attorney – was in court.

Stephen Charwey, lawyer for Gregory, said he was hopeful that the prosecutor would be in court but was surprised he was absent.

He wondered if the court had received the medical report of his client as ordered previously by the trial judge, Justice L.L. Mensah.

Justice Mensah, adjourning the case to March 7, 2017, said the court had not received the medical report on Gregory Afoko’s health.

He recalled that at the last sitting, the Deputy Director of the Nsawam Prison where Gregory was being kept, had told the court that the accused was going for MRI scan based on which the case was adjourned.

Hajia Zainabu Adams, wife of Adams Mahama – Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) whose murder has occasioned the trial – has been the first prosecution witness since July 19, last year, but the continuation of her evidence appears stalled.

Madam Zainabu told the court during her evidence that her husband said the accused, who is the younger brother of Paul Afoko – suspended national chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – and one Asabke Alangdi poured the deadly substance on him (husband) before his death.

Gregory has been charged with conspiracy to commit crime and murder of Adams Mahama in May 2015.

Meanwhile, he has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Adams Mahama died of extensive acid burns and shock lungs (acute respiratory distress syndrome), an autopsy report has indicated.

Gregory’s alleged accomplice, Asabke, is still on the run.